Sculpture North is an exciting summer exhibition celebrating contemporary sculpture and 3D practice. Set within the vibrant city of Leeds, this exhibition will showcase the diversity of sculptural practice, offering a fresh and compelling exploration of form, materiality and artistic innovation.

Taking place throughout June and July 2026 at The Sculpture Gallery in Leeds, this exhibition will present innovative and thought provoking work from sculptors and three dimensional artists working across a wide range of materials and approaches.

The opportunity relates to exhibitions at The Sculpture Gallery in Leeds Corn Exchange.

The gallery is an artist led space dedicated specifically to contemporary sculpture and three dimensional work.

Established in 2024, it is run cooperatively by practising sculptors who help manage the space and curate a rolling programme of exhibitions throughout the year.

The gallery operates on a non profit basis.

Cooperative members contribute towards the running costs of the space including rent, utilities and exhibition related expenses.

Participation fees associated with open calls help support these costs and the practical delivery of exhibitions.

Located within Leeds Corn Exchange, a Grade I listed building in the centre of the city, the gallery benefits from a steady flow of visitors drawn by the building’s independent shops, cafés and cultural activity.

While overall footfall within the Corn Exchange is significantly higher, the gallery itself typically receives between approximately 40 and 200 visitors per day, depending on the time of year and activity in the city centre.

Visitors include members of the public, tourists exploring the Corn Exchange, artists and creatives, and people with a particular interest in sculpture.

Some discover the gallery while browsing the building, while others visit specifically for exhibitions or events. Collectors and visitors interested in purchasing original work also regularly attend.

Exhibitions are promoted through the gallery’s social media channels as well as the networks of participating artists.

The gallery maintains an active Instagram presence where installation views and individual works are regularly shared, with artists tagged and credited to help extend the reach of the work.

Each exhibition includes an opening event or private view which is usually well attended, providing an opportunity for artists to meet visitors, collectors and other artists within the Leeds arts community.

Exhibitions are also documented through installation photography and selected works. These images are used for promotion online and artists are welcome to use them for their own portfolios and publicity.

Overall the aim of the gallery is to provide a visible and supportive platform for sculptors and three dimensional artists to exhibit work within a central city gallery environment and contribute to the wider arts scene in Leeds.

We are seeking work that explores form, space, material, process and concept in compelling ways. Submissions are welcome from both emerging and established artists.

The Sculpture Gallery co owners will award a prize of a solo exhibition to the artist whose work most strongly reflects the selection criteria and demonstrates the potential to present a compelling body of work within the gallery space.

What We Are Looking For

• Freestanding or plinth mounted sculpture
• Wall based sculptural works
• Three dimensional media including traditional, contemporary, foraged or mixed materials
• Experimental or interdisciplinary three dimensional practice

All materials will be considered provided they are safe, stable and suitable for gallery display. Work that is not three dimensional or is of excessive size or weight making it impractical to display within The Sculpture Gallery will not be accepted.

Eligibility

• Open to UK based and international sculptors and three dimensional artists
• Artists must be 18 years or over
• Work must be original and completed within the last three years
• Submission of entries is free of charge

A maximum of three works may be submitted. Please fill in one submission form per artwork. 

Selection Criteria

• The relationship between material, concept and display
• Technical skill and quality of execution
• Aesthetic impact and engagement with the viewer
• Authenticity of the work

Practical Information

• An exhibition fee of £100 will be charged for each selected work, payable no later than 21 May.
• Selected works must be delivered ready for installation.
• Artists are responsible for delivery and collection of work.
• All works must be clearly labelled and installation instructions provided where necessary.
• All works must be for sale and the gallery commission is 30 percent of the sale price. No VAT is charged.